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The Original 5-Star Ratings

Forbes Travel Guide's professional inspectors visit every hotel, restaurant and spa that we rate. Our in-depth hotel inspections span two nights and three days.

We evaluate each property against up to 800 objective criteria with an emphasis on service.

Our inspectors are completely anonymous at all times, so that they can be sure they experience the same level of service and amenities that the average guest would.

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, created the original 5-star rating system in 1958. ForbesTravelGuide.com is the only place you’ll find the complete directory of Forbes Travel Guide Star Rated properties.

Inspired by the French movie La Belle et la Bête (or Beauty and the Beast) by Jean Cocteau, NoMo SoHo Hotel is a whimsical and elegant wonderland. Stroll through the vine-enclosed pathway surrounded by topiaries to a beguiling ground-floor lobby. Accents like silver lanterns, bright blue velvet couches, elegant mirrored and white lacquer coffee tables and blue-and-white vine-patterned carpets are playful while still staying contemporary.

Also in the New York City hotel's lobby, you’ll find Nomo Kitchen, a stunning glass atrium space that looks straight out of a fairytale. Shimmering crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, and a Mad Hatter-like row of oversized glassware hangs over wooden tables. Potted plants and sweeping trees are placed throughout the earthy stone floors, creating an enchanted greenhouse feel. The menu mirrors the gorgeous space and is inspired by the Italian coast with regional hints of Amalfi, Sicily and the Riviera. Dishes like crispy cod cheeks with tomato crudo and pickled red chiles sing.

The New York hotel is the tallest in downtown Manhattan and the seasonal rooftop bar, Soaked, has sweeping panoramic views of the city. The space feels like a quaint yet modern patio with bright green faux grass, hanging bright lights, wooden benches and lime cushioned lawn chairs. For other areas to imbibe, there’s also Enoteca Isola in the lobby next to the restaurant. The space is chic and fanciful with bright blue rows of books on shelves that open up to a room with plush booth seating. A black marble-topped bar and elegant white high chairs create a streamlined minimalistic look. There’s also the nighttime venue, Mister H, which has a separate entrance on Lafayette Street and echoes 1930s Shanghai and old New York with Chinese couches, jewel-toned pillows and burgundy walls.

The rooms are on the small side, starting at 190 square feet, but still lovely. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic views of downtown, deep blue carpets and ceilings, white walls and a gray-and-white marble entryway and bathroom area. The guest rooms have plush, white king-sized beds with patent leather padded headboards and silver details, such as in the chrome side tables and built-in desk that separates the bedroom from the bathroom area. They make you feel like you’re on the set of Cocteau’s otherworldly film.